Monthly Archives: October 2014

As I ponder on what to say for this legislative report, a question continues to fill my mind for the current and future years of NARFE legislative agenda.  As the old saying Knowledge is power. You can keep your mind sharp and supple by continually seeking new ways to stimulate your intellect.  We have heard the old adage. Those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat it.  Our main focus must continually be about legislation that benefits Active & Retired Federal Employees, the Federal Community.  At the grassroots advocacy level we will continue to build our science of Knowledge by reading articles on such topics that pertain to key legislation in NARFE National Legislation Agenda.  We must become the people who influence change in congress for better or worst.  To interact regularly with our Congressional Representatives, during the highs and lows of Congress, during this current year and the new Congress after the mid-term elections this November 2014.  Strengthen our grassroots relationships with our coalition partners such as Americans United for Change, (AFSCME), and The Alliance for Retired Americans, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, (NCPSSM), Social Security Works, American Federation of Government Employees, (AFGE), AFL-CIO, Postal Unions. As this report comes to a close for this board Meeting, please allow me to share, what various meetings, fundraiser events, ACA Forums, Press Events Capitol Hill, White House Rally, this year we have had with our Congressional Leaders. Representative C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Dist. 2 Representatives Elijah E. Cummings, Dist.7, Representative Donna Edwards, Dist.4, Representative John Delaney, Dist. 6, Representative Chris Van Hollen, Dist.8, Democratic Minority Whip Representative Steny Hoyer, Dist.5 and Third Highest Ranking Democrat Representative James Clyburn (D) SC, Representative Darrell Issa’s (R) Staff by Kathy Siggins.

My continue thanks for doing outstanding job with our FLC, Chair Sudha Haley Ph.D., SLC Chair Ed Bice, NARFE/Pac Coordinator Jerry Kerner,  MD/PAC  Coordinator Dave Roseman,) United Seniors of Maryland (USM) Representative Chuck Thomas.

Sincerely

Gary Roundtree Sr., Ph.D.                                                                                          NARFE MD FED

1^st VP/Legislative Director

Breakfast with our NARFE Champion:

Minority Whip Congressman Steny Hoyer

On Wednesday, October 1, NARFE National President-elect Thissen, Maryland Federation President McGrath, Vice President Roundtree, Federation Legislative Committee Chair Haley, chapter presidents, and members from the 5^th District and across Maryland, broke bread with NARFE’s friend and Champion, Congressman Steny Hoyer.  He thanked us for our service to our country… all the civilians and veterans among us.  He addressed many of NARFE’s urgent concerns and long-term issues.

Congressman Hoyer is on our side 100 percent, as his voting record attests.  He decried the $138 billion that federal employees, Active and Retired, have “paid the price” towards the deficit.  “No other group has made such a sacrifice,” he noted. “Sequestration starts with an “S” and stands for “Stupid,” and is irresponsible” he concluded.  He has valiantly fought for the Federal Employee Pay Comparability Act, for our Health Plan, and for our retirement system, among many other NARFE issues.  He stands behind Postal workers.  When questioned about future compromise on the Hill, he promised to engage our opponents, to save our benefits.  On entitlements, he questioned why persons who are millionaires should receive the same entitlement as a retiree living only on a meagre pension and social security.  He is working towards a fiscally sustainable path for all NARFE’s active and retired federal employees.

Our NARFE officials and members were thrilled to have this opportunity for an intimate exchange with our Congressman and Champion.  The Congressman graciously spent far more than our allocated meeting time with him.  Before departing, he challenged NARFE President-elect Thissen, and the Maryland Federation to continue our grass-roots pursuits as “active, tough, advocates.”

Sudha K. Haley, Ph.D.

NARFE Maryland Federation Legislative Committee Chair

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